How to Make Easy Homemade Peach Simple Syrup for Cocktails

When August rolls around and those end of summer fresh summer peaches are in abundance, it’s the perfect time to whip up a batch of homemade peach simple syrup. This delicious recipe for peach syrup recipe is incredibly versatile and a great way to elevate your favorite dishes and cold drinks with its fresh peach flavor. Plus, it’s a breeze to make, requiring only a few basic simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Plus, this easy recipe is made with less sugar can traditional simple syrup recipes. In this blog post, we’ll share the classic peach simple syrup recipe and two delightful variations: Lemon Peach Simple Syrup and Peach and Basil Simple Syrup. So, let’s dive right in and sweeten your day with this delightful concoction! Find the homemade peach syrup recipe on the recipe card at the end of this post.

What Is Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is a basic, versatile liquid sweetener used in a wide range of culinary applications. It’s made by dissolving an equal amount of sugar in an equal amount of water ratio, creating a clear, sweet solution. Sugar syrup can be made with brown sugar or cane sugar for an extra layer of depth for your recipes!

Simple syrup serves as a crucial ingredient in cocktails, enhancing their sweetness without graininess, and it’s also used in baking to moisten cakes and sweeten iced teas and other beverages. Its simple preparation and ability to evenly distribute sweetness make it a kitchen essential for sweetening and flavoring a variety of dishes and drinks.

Fresh Peach Syrup Recipe

Ingredients For Peach Syrup

• 2 cups of sliced fresh peaches. Ripe peaches work best, but frozen peaches can work too.
• 1 cup of water
• 1/4 cup of white sugar

How to Make Peach Syrup

1. Begin by slicing the fresh peaches. You can leave the skin on for added flavor.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced peaches, water, and sugar.
3. Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves completely. Then reduce to low heat.
4. Once the peaches have softened and the syrup has thickened (about 20 minutes), remove the saucepan from the heat.
5. Allow the syrup to cool for a few minutes before straining it through a fine mesh strainer into a clean container. This will remove any remaining solids, leaving you with a smooth, flavorful syrup.
6. Let the homemade peach simple syrup cool completely before storing it in a sealed container, like a mason jar, in the refrigerator.

Ways to Use Peach Syrup

Homemade syrup is a delightful and versatile sweetener that can be used in various culinary creations for additional flavor, from baking to your favorite drinks. Here are some creative ways to use cooled peach syrup and add tons of peach flavor to different creations:

1. Peachy Cocktails: Elevate your peach cocktail game by adding a splash of peach syrup to classics like the Bellini or a Peach Mojito. It’s also excellent in a whiskey cocktail, like whiskey sours or mixed with sparkling water for a refreshing non-alcoholic option. Suggested: Peach Sangria with Lime and Blueberries.
2. Iced Tea and Peach Lemonade: Sweeten your peach iced tea or lemonade with a drizzle of peach syrup for a burst of fruity flavor. Garnish with the peach tea with fresh peach slices for an extra touch of freshness.
3. Peachy Pancakes and French Toast: Instead of traditional maple syrup, top your pancakes, waffles, or French toast with peach syrup. It adds a delightful peachy twist to your breakfast. Suggested: Peach Pancakes
4. Dessert Drizzle: Drizzle peach syrup over ice cream, yogurt, or a fruit salad for a sweet and fruity enhancement. It pairs beautifully with vanilla, coconut, or even cheesecake.
5. Marinades and Glazes: Use peach syrup as a base for marinades or glazes for meats, particularly chicken or pork. The sweetness and fruitiness complement the savory flavors and create a delectable balance.
6. Salad Dressing: Whisk together peach syrup, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of Dijon mustard to create a flavorful and unique salad dressing. It’s perfect for summer salads with mixed greens, goat cheese, and candied pecans.
7. Baking and Pastry: Incorporate peach syrup into your baking recipes. It can be used to sweeten cakes, muffins, and pastries, adding a natural fruitiness to your desserts.
8. Smoothies and Shakes: Add a tablespoon or two of peach syrup to your fruit smoothies or milkshakes for an extra burst of peach flavor. It pairs wonderfully with banana, mango, and yogurt. Suggested: Mango Spinach Smoothie
9. Mocktails: Create refreshing non-alcoholic beverages by mixing peach syrup with soda water and a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime. Garnish with mint leaves or a slice of peach for a visually appealing drink.
10. Fruit Preserves: Enhance your homemade fruit preserves by adding a touch of peach syrup to the mixture. It will not only sweeten but also infuse your preserves with a delightful peachy essence.
11. Syrup for Frozen Treats: Make your own shaved ice or snow cone syrups by mixing peach syrup with fruit juices. Pour it over crushed ice for a cooling summer treat.
12. Grilled Peaches: Brush peach syrup on halved peaches before grilling them. This caramelizes the syrup, creating a sweet and smoky flavor that’s perfect for a summer dessert.
13. Peachy Marinades: Use peach syrup as a base for marinades for tofu or tempeh. The sweetness and fruitiness complement plant-based proteins beautifully.

With its fresh and fruity flavor, homemade peach syrup can transform ordinary dishes and beverages into extraordinary culinary delights. Experiment with these ideas to discover your favorite ways to enjoy this versatile syrup.

Flavor Variations for Peach Simple Syrup

Here are some of my favorite variations when making peach simple syrup! Feel free to experiment with other fresh flavors and let me know what you come up with!

Lemon Peach Simple Syrup

Add a zesty twist to your peach syrup with a burst of fresh lemon juice. This variation pairs beautifully with iced tea, lemonade, or even drizzled-over vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients (in addition to the classic recipe)

• 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon of lemon zest

Instructions:

1. Follow the classic peach simple syrup recipe but add the fresh lemon juice along with the peaches, water, and sugar.
2. Continue with the remaining steps as described in the classic recipe, including straining the syrup.

Peach and Basil Simple Syrup

For a sophisticated twist on your homemade peach syrup, introduce the aromatic herbiness of basil. This version complements fruit salads, cocktails, and even makes a delightful drizzle for French toast.

Ingredients (in addition to the classic recipe):

• 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves

Instructions:

1. Follow the classic peach simple syrup recipe until the mixture has simmered for about 15 minutes.
2. Add the fresh basil leaves to the saucepan and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the basil’s flavor to infuse the syrup.
3. Proceed with the remaining steps as outlined in the classic recipe, including straining the syrup.

How To Store Peach Simple Syrup

Storing peach simple syrup properly is essential to maintain its freshness and flavor. Here’s how to store peach simple syrup:

1. Allow the freshly prepared peach simple syrup to cool to room temperature before attempting to store it. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container.

2. Select an airtight container for storing the syrup. A glass jar or a plastic food-safe container with a tight-sealing lid works well. Make sure the container is clean and dry.

3. Carefully pour the cooled peach simple syrup into the chosen container. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion if you plan to freeze it. Seal the container tightly to prevent air from getting in, which can lead to crystallization or spoilage.

How Long Does This Peach Syrup Last

If you intend to use the syrup within a relatively short time frame, about 3-4 weeks, store it in the refrigerator. The cool temperature will help extend its shelf life. Ensure the syrup is in the coldest part of your fridge, typically near the back.

Can you Freeze Peach Simple Syrup?

For longer storage, consider freezing the peach simple syrup. Pour it into an airtight, freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Seal it well and label the container with the date. Peach simple syrup can typically be stored in the freezer for up to 6-12 months without significant loss of quality.

How to Thraw Peach Simple Syrup

When you want to use frozen syrup, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw slowly. This prevents sudden temperature changes that could affect the syrup’s quality. Once thawed, it’s ready to use.

Conclusion

Homemade peach simple syrup is the epitome of summer sweetness. Whether you’re drizzling it over ice cream, stirring it into your favorite beverages, or experimenting with our delightful variations, this peach syrup recipe is a surefire way to savor the essence of fresh peaches all year round. So, give it a try, and don’t forget to leave your recipe rating – we’re confident you’ll love it! Enjoy your peachy adventures in the kitchen.